Chip card reader with an end position switch

ABSTRACT

A chip card reader includes a frame, reading contact elements, and an end position switch which includes two switching contact elements arranged to either close or open upon reaching of the reading position by a chip card. The contact elements are identical in both the arrangement in which the elements open to indicate reaching of the reading position by the chip card and the arrangement in which the elements close to indicate reaching of the reading position by the chip card. The frames may also be identical in the opener arrangement and the closer arrangement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a chip card reader with an endposition switch.In general the invention relates to a chip card reader in which the chipcard or a so-called key which incorporates a chip and contact elementssimilar to a chip card is insertable into a reading position. In thereading position the contact elements (reading contacts) in the chipcard reader come in contact with the contact zones of the chip card (orthe key).

BACKGROUND ART

In known chip card readers frequently a downward movement is providedbetween the chip card and the chip card reader when the chip card isinserted into the reading position so as to provide a good engagementbetween the contact elements of the chip card reader and the contactzones of the chip card. Such chip card readers require mechanical meansto provide for said downward movement. For other applications a chipcard reader might be sufficient which does not use such a downwardmovement but uses sliding contact elements so that said mechanical meansfor providing the downward movement for the chip card is no longerrequired. Examples for such chip card readers can be found in thefollowing documents: EP 0 366 513 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,273 and DE-A39 31 506.

Chip card readers of this type typically use a contact supportconstructed as a frame, and an endposition switch serves to indicate thearrival of the chip card in the reading position. The endposition switchis either closed or opened upon arrival of the reading position. Anend-position switch which closes in the reading position is called a"closer" or closing means, while an endposition switch which opens inthe reading position is called an "opener" or opening means.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chip card readerwithout the downward mechanics wherein next to the reading contact inthe frame of the chip card reader an endposition switch is positionedwhich can be designed in an easy manner both as an opener and a closer.

The endposition switch should also be designed in such a way that it canbe positioned in the frame in an easy manner. Further, it should bepossible to use only a minimum of switching contact elements regardlesswether an opener or a closer is used. Further, an excellent contactingbetween the switching contact elements of the endposition switches isaimed for.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

For solving the above object the invention provides for a chip cardreader with a frame in which the reading contacts are preferably mountedby locking into place. According to the invention the endposition switchis formed by two switching contact elements, each of which is alsomountable in the frame by locking into position. The design of the twoswitching contact elements is provided in such a way that these are eachinsertable both for realizing an opener and a closer.

According to the invention the frame is practically identical both whilebeing used in connection with an opener and while being used inconnection with a closer, and comprises in the case of a closer only anadditional pin or abutment member, which is not necessary whilerealizing an opener. The frame further incorporates abutment means forthe movable switching contact element which is preferably biased intoits restposition. Preferably the abutment means are constructed in theform of a protrusion which protrudes from the contact surface of theframe.

It is also preferred that said movable switching contact element and thestationary switching contact element of the endposition switches areeach biased into their resting positions.

Each of the switching contact elements is provided with a cylindricalcusp for increasing the Hertzian pressure so that two crossing cylindersare formed which ensures a good contact.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, forimproving the cleaning effect between the switching contact elements anincrease in the normal force is provided by angling of one of thecontact element springs. Further, one of the switching contact elementsis preferably provided with at least two contact element legs, thereforemaking sure that the layer of foreign material is penetrated. Preferablythe contact area of the passive or stationary contact element spring(switching contact element) is angled thereby increasing the normalforce and the two switching contact elements (contact element spring)perform a minimal relative movement in the spring axis due to theresulting longitudinal force.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention different chip carddesigns can be contacted since the endposition switch is not switched bythe thickness of the card. It is for example possible to use theendposition switch according to the present invention in connection witha so-called key, i.e. a key-like structure with a larger thickness as anormal chip card. This key-like structure supports contact zonescorresponding to the contact zones of a chip card, which are beingcontacted by the reading contact elements after the endposition switchhas been actuated.

A further embodiment of the invention provides, that again at least oneof the two contact element springs of an endposition switch is angled.That means, that the contact element end of one of the contact elementsprings lies on an angled end of the other contact element spring.According to the preferred embodiment of the invention it is the contactelement spring with the angled contact element end which is biasedagainst an abutment member; said abutment member is not located underthe angled contact element end of the contact element spring but whichis offset towards the fixedly mounted end of the contact element spring.Preferably, the abutment member is located at about the middle of saidcontact element spring. The abutment member can also be locatedrelatively close to the--free--contact element end of said contactelement spring or relatively close to the fixing or mounting position ofsaid contact element spring. Due to this arrangement it is achieved,that the contact element spring which is actuatable (active) by the cardlies in the closed position of the endposition switch on the angledsurface of said first (passive) contact element spring. Preferably thecontact element spring which is actuatable by the card is biased intothe closed position of the endposition switch so hard against the freeend of the passive contact element spring, that it is somewhat moved outof its restposition which is otherwise determined by biasing, wherebythe self-cleaning force of the endposition switch is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, objects and details of the invention can be gatheredfrom in the description of embodiments in connection with the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of the frame of a chip card reader according tothe invention with the cover being removed and with an endpositionswitch which can be called a closer according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged detail of the endposition switch according toFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a plan view similar to FIG. 1A wherein now the closer isswitched i.e. the chipcard is in its reading position;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged detail of the endposition switch according toFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a part of the frame of a chip card reader withan endposition switch being designed as an opener which is shown in itsunswitched condition;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 wherein the opener is shown in itsswitched condition;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic side view of the switching parts of bothswitching contact elements;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a chip card reader according tothe invention with a not switched opener;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a chip card reader according tothe present invention for showing better the actuation possibilities ofan endposition switch according to the present invention by means of anormal chip card as well as by means of a so-called "key";

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a part of a stamp or pilot strip which holdsthe movable and static switching contact element of the endpositionswitch in their original condition;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views along line 9-10 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the movable switching contact element afterseparating from the pilot strip and before the forming shown in FIGS. 12to 15;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the stationary switching contact element afterseparating from the pilot strip and before the forming according toFIGS. 17 to 20;

FIG. 21 is a representation similar to FIG. 3 wherein the switchingcontact elements are used in a similar way as in FIG. 3 but this timewith an angled position of one of the two contact areas;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22--22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according toFIG. 21; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view of the arrangement according to FIG.23;

FIG. 25 is a schematic side view of a chip card reader with a furtherembodiment of the endposition switch;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the representation of FIG. 25 with theendposition switch;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of the principles underlying theendposition switch according to FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 schematically shows an endposition switch according to the priorart; and

FIGS. 29A-29C are comparisons of known endposition switches with anendposition switch according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B a first embodiment of the inventionis explained. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 a second embodiment of theinvention is explained. FIG. 5 shows a design which is useful for bothembodiments, and FIG. 7 shows that the invention can also be used withkeys. FIGS. 8 to 20 show the preferred design of the switching contactelements of the endposition switch according to the present invention.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B show a chip card reader 1, which serves tocontact a chip card 2. Each chip card reader 1 comprises a frame 3 inwhich openings 4 for reading contact elements are shown. An endpositionswitch 5 according to the present invention is designed as a so-called"closer" or closing means. The closing means are moved from the openingposition shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to their closing position shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B by moving the card 2 into its reading position.

The endposition switch 5 comprises a movable switching contact element 6and a stationary switching contact element 7. The switching contactelement 6 is locked and thus secured by means which will be describedbelow in more detail. Especially, a locking or detent element (tongue)47 which locks with a locking or detent recess 8 formed in the frame 3.In a similar manner the static switching contact element 7 is secured ina locking recess 9 in the frame 3 by means of a locking element (tongue)66.

In its assembled condition the movable switching contact element 6 isbiased against an abutment member 10 which extends from the plane formedby the card support surface 13. Also the static switching contactelement 7 is biased into its restposition preferably against an abutmentmeans preferably in the form of a pin 11. The pin 11 also extends likethe abutment member 10 from the card support surface. Both abutmentmember 10 and pin 11 are preferably manufactured together with the frame3 by means of injection molding.

It can easily be seen that upon insertion of the chip card 2 finally -compare FIG. 1A - the movable switching contact element 6 will becontacted and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B will be moved into contactwith the stationary switching contact element 7. It can be seen that theso-called stationary switching contact element 7 is not completelystationary but as is shown in FIG. 2B in the case of the contacting withthe movable switching contact element 6 can be flexibly lifted of thepin 11.

The frame 3 further forms according to the present invention a centeringand brake lever 12 which pushes from the side onto the chip card andthus eliminates guide tolerances in the card guide means and at the sametime exerts a braking effect on the card without influencing the contactforce in a positive or negative manner.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 show a chip card reader 100 which largely correspondsto the chip card reader 1. The frame 3 of the chip card reader 100corresponds to the frame 3 of the chip card reader i with the onlyexception, that in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 there isno pin 11.

The endposition switch 15 is formed as a so-called opener or openingmeans, i.e. upon actuation by the card 2 the endposition switch opens.

According to the invention the endposition switch 15 comprises a movableswitching contact element 16 and a stationary switching contact element17 which are fixed like the contact elements 6 and 7 by locking intorespective locking recesses 18 and 19 of the frame 3, by detent means.

The abutment member 20 corresponds to the abutment member 10 whereinaccording to FIGS. 3 and 4 the actually stationary switching contactelement 17 is preferably resiliently biased against the abutment member20.

Different to the first embodiment the endposition switch 15 is formed asa so-called opener or opening means. i.e. on insertion of the card thecontact between the movable switching contact element 16 and thestationary switching contact element 17 is opened.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 in the closing position of the endpositionswitch 15 the stationary switching contact element 17 is biased againstthe abutment member 20 and the movable switching contact element 16 isalso biased towards the abutment member 20 and abuts the stationarycontact element. FIGS. 3 and 4 also show the arrangement of readingcontact elements 21.

According to the present invention the movable contact elements 6 and 16and also the stationary contact elements 7 and 17 are formed identicallyso that a closer and an opener can be formed respectively with the samecontact elements.

With the preferred use of cylindrical projections or cusps whichpreferably cross in their arrangement, the projections have to beopposite to the ones shown in FIG. 5 for the case of a closer. FIG. 5shows a cusp 30 formed as a cylinder on the movable switching contactelement 16 which runs in a longitudinal direction of the switchingcontact element 16. Switching contact element 17 however shows a cusp 31which runs transverse to the longitudinal direction of the switchingcontact element 17 which also has the form of a cylinder.

FIG. 6 shows the chip card reader 100 mounted on a printed circuit board70 wherein a soldering termination 64 can be seen which will bedescribed in more detail below. Also, a cover 71 is shown.

FIG. 7 shows schematically that the endposition switch 5, 15 accordingto the present invention is actuable both by a normal card 2 and aso-called key, which also has a larger thickness which requires a recess72 in the cover 71.

FIG. 8 shows the switching contact elements 6, 16, 7, 17 after stampingstill being connected to a pilot strip 13. FIGS. 9 and 10 show in detailthe form of the cylindrical cusps 30, 31.

FIGS. 11 to 15 show the movable switching contact element 6 and 16respectively during different manufacturing steps and in differentrepresentations. The switching contact elements 6 and 16 respectivelycomprise a locking or detent portion (locking portion) 40 and anactuation and switching portion (switching portion) 41, which areconnected by a strip-like connecting portion 42. A soldering termination44 can be formed for the SMD technique.

The locking portion 40 has a cut-out portion 45 for forming a lockingmeans (tongue) 46, which has the form as shown in FIG. 15. The lockingportion 40 also has guide surfaces for the insertion in the recess ofthe frame. The switching portion 41 has an abutment angle with a cardabutment member 48 which is formed on the angled arm 49. Further, acontact arm 50 is provided which comprises said cusp 30.

FIGS. 16 to 20 show the stationary switching contact element 7, 17 inits different manufacturing steps. A locking or detent portion 60 isconnected to an actuation and switching portion 61 via a connectingportion 62. The locking portion 60 has a similar form to the lockingportion 40 and comprises a locking means (tongue) 66 which is surroundedby a cut-out portion 45. A soldering termination 64 is also provided.The termination 64 can be formed in any desired manner similar totermination 44. Further, in FIG. 19 the forming of the cusp 31 in theswitching portion 61 can be seen.

FIGS. 21 to 24 show a chip card reader 300 which largely corresponds toa chip card reader 3 according to FIG. 3.

The endposition switch 315 is formed as a so-called opener i.e. uponactuation by the card 2 the endposition switch 315 opens. The design asa closer is also possible with the principles according to the presentinvention.

According to the present invention the endposition switch 315 comprisesa movable switching contact element 316 and a stationary switchingcontact element 317 which, like the contact elements 16 and 17 accordingto FIG. 3, are secured by locking of respective locking recesses 318 and319 of the frame 3.

The abutment member 320 corresponds to abutment member 20. Like in FIG.3 and 4 the stationary switching contact element 317 is preferablyresiliently biased against abutment member 320.

The endposition switch 315 is formed as a so-called opener like in theembodiment according to FIG. 3 i.e. upon insertion of the card 2 thecontact between the movable switching contact element 316 and thestationary switching contact element 317 is opened.

As can be seen in FIG. 21 in the closing position of the endpositionswitch 315 the stationary switching contact element 317 is biasedagainst abutment member 320 and the latter movable switching contactelement 316 is biased towards abutment member 320 wherein the switchingcontact element 316 lies on the stationary contact element.

The switching contact element 316 according to FIGS. 21 to 24 comprisesthe same basic structure as the movable contact element 42 according toFIG. 14. Especially the switching contact 316 is provided with an angledarm 349 and a card abutment member 348 disposed thereon. Different tothe embodiment according to FIG. 4 the end 360 of the switching contactelement 316 and also 317 is not provided with a cusp but compared to theswitching contact element 16 the switching contact element 316 issomewhat shortened and abuts with its end portion 360 at an inclined orangled surface 361 which is formed by the end portion 362 of theswitching contact element 317. The endportion 362 is as shown angledrelative to the bigger portion of the switching contact element 317.

Preferably the endportion 360 forms two legs (compare FIGS. 23 and 24)363, 364. The legs can preferably (compare FIG. 24) be rounded on theirends which are in contact with the angled surface 361.

As mentioned above the switching contact element 317 in the form of acontact element spring is biased against the abutment 320 and can beseen as a passive switching contact element. Also the switching contactelement in the form of the contact element spring 316 is biased and lieson the angle surface 361.

Especially by choosing the biasing force for the switching contactelement 316 the arrangement is such, that on the contact locationsbetween the front end 360 and the inclined contact surface 361 arelative movement occurs during switching so that dirt or dust withinthe area of the contact is removed. Even though the contact elementspring 317 is generally called passive or immovable it is possible toperform sufficient relative movement relative to the contact spring 316.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27 a further embodiment of the invention isdescribed, with an endposition switch in the form of a so-called opener.The endposition switch 400 according to FIGS. 25 to 27 comprises twoswitching contact elements in the form of contact element springs 416and 417 each being secured on one end in the frame 13 preferably bylocking (detent action). The open (active) contact element spring 416 ismovable from the shown closing position in an opening position by a chipcard.

The main difference between the construction according to FIGS. 25 to 27and the construction according to FIGS. 23 and 24 is, that the abutmentmember 21 according to FIGS. 23 and 24 in the form of an abutment member420 is moved from the free end of the contact element spring closer tothe fixed position of the contact element spring. The passive contactelement spring 417 is biased against the abutment member 420 which ispreferably formed on the frame 3. The abutment member 420 isapproximately centered between the free end 401 of the contact elementspring 417 and the fixed location 402 of the contact element spring 417.The abutment member 420 preferably takes the position as shown in FIG.26 but can also be moved towards the right closer to the fixed position402 as well as to the left towards the free end 401 of the contactelement spring.

In the closing position of the end position switch 400 (as shown in FIG.26) the contact element spring 416 is preferably biased against theinclined surface 403 of the contact element spring 417 such that thefree end 401 of the passive spring 417 is somewhat pushed downwardsrelative to the position in which the spring 417 would be located due toits biasing without the contact element spring 416. It follows, thatupon actuation of the contact element spring 416 by the chip card thecontact element spring 417 would initially follow the upward movement(FIG. 26) of contact element spring 416 before it lifts off the inclinedsurface 403. This assists together with said inclined surface and therelatively sharp engagement edge 405 of the contact element spring 46the cleaning effect between the two contact element springs so that evenafter a longer period of time a safe contact is given.

Preferably the engagement angle α (alpha) between the preferably as awhole straight contact element spring 416 and the inclined surface 403of the otherwise preferably straight contact element spring 417 is about45°. Preferred is also the range between 20 to 60 degrees.

In FIGS. 25 to 28 the abutment member for the chip card has thereference sign 421. The reference signs 423, 424, 425 shownschematically the effect of force.

Since the passive contact element 417 also called rest contact elementis biased in the above manner, due to the abutment member 420 movingcloser to the fixed position 402 a larger relative movement is obtainedbetween the contact element spring 416 and the contact element spring417 thereby a better contact and a larger contact force is obtained.Further, even after a longer time period, it can be securely switched.

It is important to note that the two contact element springs 416, 417preferably extend to opposite sides but run substantially on one lineforming the inclined surface 403 for attaining the desired contactelement cleaning forces.

FIG. 28 shows schematically a known end position switch with two contactelement springs 516 and 517 wherein the spring 517 is not biased againstan abutment member, but it is pushed downwards in the resting positionof the endcontact by the contact element spring 516 which is loadeddownwardly but not biased. Especially also due to the missing inclinedsurface between the two contact element springs 516 and 517 in the areaof the contact less favorable condition occur as in the embodimentaccording to FIG. 27. To sum up it can be said that in the embodimentaccording to the FIGS. 25 to 27 for obtaining a relative movement of thecontact element springs 416, 417 it is provided to move the abutmentmember 420 of the passive spring 417 to the fixed position 402. Therealization of the free spring arm due to the contact force of theactive spring 416 causes a desired sliding path. As a result a largerrelative movement which for example is at least within the area of 0.2mm is achieved. Further, a larger normal force results, withoutincreasing the contact force of the card. Further, a spot contactinstead of an area contact is provided. In the construction according toFIGS. 23 and 24 preferably two legs 363, 364 are provided in theconstruction according to FIGS. 25 to 27 preferably only one contactelement finger for the active contact element 416 is provided.

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C show in more detail in FIG. 29A schematically theprior art according to FIG. 28, in FIGS. 29B an also known endpositionswitch and in FIG. 29C the endposition switch according to the presentinvention of FIG. 27.

The mounting position of the contact element springs is each denoted bythe reference signs 602. In the arrangement of FIG. 29A it is denoted bythe letter G, that the contact element spring 516 has moved the contactelement spring 517 in the shown closed position against a smaller forceof the spring 517 which is denoted by the letter g. In the shown closedposition naturally, the forces of the contact element springs 516 and517 exerted on each other are zero. If however the chip card moves thecontact element spring 516 (upward) the contact element spring 517follows initially this movement until the contact element spring 517reaches its no longer loaded position. In the design according to FIG.29B both contact element springs 616 and 617 are arranged in such amanner, that the shown closing position is achieved in that the contactelement spring 617 initially has a larger force G which biasses thecontact element spring 617 into the shown position, until the forcesexerted onto each other by the contact element springs 617 and 616balance each other. Thus the contact element spring 617 exerts initiallyno force or only a smaller force than the force G downward which isschematically denoted g in FIG. 29B. Due to this arrangement upondownward movement of the contact element spring 616 by the card 2, theupper contact element spring 617 initially follows said movement andslide along the contact element 616 until the loading force of thecontact element spring 617 is depleted and only the contact elementspring 617 is moved further by the card 2 and is thus further loadedwhich however causes the opening of the endposition switch.

With the endposition switch according to the present invention of FIG.29C the so-called passive contact element spring 417 is biased with aforce V against the abutment member 420. Further, the contact elementspring 416 exerts initially i.e. before reaching the shown closingposition a larger force G on the inclined surface of the contact elementspring 417 and biases the contact element spring 417 somewhat downwardsround the abutment member, so that the contact element spring 417together with its inclined surface is moved downwards until theresulting reaction force is equal to the force exerted by the contactelement spring 416. The result is, that when a card abuts the cardabutment member 421 the contact element spring 416 is moved upwardsagainst its load force wherein initially the inclined surface of thecontact element spring 417 follows the front end of the contact elementspring 416 until the contact element spring 416 gets away from thisinclined surface. During this initial following movement of the inclinedsurface of the contact element spring 417 a good contact between thefree end of the contact element spring 416 and the inclined surface ofthe contact element spring 417 is achieved. Due to this fact layers of aforeign matter are penetrated and a contact element cleaning effect isobtained. Especially, also a wedging effect occurs between the free endof the contact element spring 416 and the inclined surface when thecontact element spring 416 impacts on the inclined surface of thecontact element spring 417, wherein an increasing increase of thecontact force occurs which leads to contact cleaning and also to a goodcontact. Especially the wedging effect of the latter case which leads toa good contact is of special importance in practical applications sincethe endposition switch of FIG. 29C could be opened over a longer timeperiod when the card is inserted wherein it is especially important thatthen, when the card is taken out after this longer time period a safeclosing of the endposition switch is achieved. Chip card reader whereinthe switching portion (41) of the movable switching contact element isfork-like, forming a contact arm (50), and spaced therefrom a preferablyangled arm (49), which in turn forms an abutment angle for forming of acard abutment (48).

We claim:
 1. Chip card reader comprisinga frame in which reading contactelements and an end position switch are provided, said end positionswitch comprising means including two switching contact elements whichcontact each other in a contact area for indicating upon opening thereaching of a reading position by a chip card, wherein one of saidswitching contact elements is a movable switching contact element andthe other of said switching contact elements is a static switchingcontact element, wherein both said switching contact elements compriselocking means adapted to be locked in the frame for mounting theswitching contact elements in the frame, and wherein both switchingcontact elements are biased into rest positions, wherein, in the contactarea of said movable and said static switching contact elements, cuspsare formed, and wherein said cusps are in the form of cylinders havingcylinder axes which are substantially transverse to each other.
 2. Chipcard reader according to claim 1, wherein the stationary switchingcontact element is biased against an abutment member formed by a frameand wherein the movable switching contact element is biased against thestatic switching contact element.
 3. Chip card reader according to claim2, wherein a switching portion of the movable switching contact elementis fork-like, forming a contact arm and spaced therefrom a second armwhich in turn forms an abutment angle for forming a card abutment. 4.Chip card reader according to claim 1, wherein a switching portion ofthe movable switching contact element is fork-like, forming a contactarm and spaced therefrom a second arm which in turn forms an abutmentangle for forming a card abutment.
 5. Chip card reader according toclaim 1, wherein said switching contact elements are substantiallycollinear and extend in opposite directions from a contact area betweenthe two contact element springs.
 6. Chip card reader comprisinga framein which reading contact elements and an endposition switch areprovided, said end position switch comprising means including twoswitching contact elements which contact each other in a contact areafor indicating upon closing the reaching of a reading position by a chipcard, wherein one of said switching contact elements is a movableswitching contact element and the other of said switching contactelements is a static switching contact element, wherein both saidswitching contact elements comprise locking means adapted to be lockedin the frame for mounting the switching contact elements in the frame,and wherein both switching contact elements are biased into restpositions. wherein, in the contact area of said movable and said staticswitching contact elements, cusps are formed, and wherein said cusps arein the form of cylinders having cylinder axes which are substantiallytransverse to each other.
 7. Chip card reader according to claim 6,wherein the movable switching contact element is biased against anabutment member formed by the frame, and wherein the static switchingcontact element is biased against a pin formed by the frame.
 8. Chipcard reader according to claim 6, wherein a switching portion of themovable switching contact element is fork-like, forming a contact armand spaced therefrom a second arm which in turn forms an abutment anglefor forming a card abutment.